Merlot (Murr-low) is a red grape originating from the Bordeaux region of France. It is the predominant grape in wines from the Right Bank portion of the area and a supporting grape in the blends from the Left Bank (Cabernet Sauvignon is the predominant grape in these wines. Right Bank vs Left Bank is explainedContinue reading “November 3rd-Merlot”
Category Archives: Monthly Schedules
October 27th-Semillon
Sémillon is a white grape, which again is a grape that originates from France, specifically the Bordeaux region. It is commonly mixed with Sauvignon Blanc in the making of a dessert wine called Sauternes (I will discuss this wine in December). Sémillon is commonly used as a blending grape but when it is made intoContinue reading “October 27th-Semillon”
October 13th-Lambrusco
Lambrusco is a fruity red wine of varying degrees of sparkling and sugar content. It originates in the food-centric Italian region of Emilia-Romagna, in the northern portion of the country. This area is known for such culinary marvels as Prosciutto di Parma, Parmigiano Reggiano, Balsamic vinegar from Modena, Mortadella Bologna, and any pasta made withContinue reading “October 13th-Lambrusco”
October 6th-Cotes du Rhone Blanc
This week, I decided to really kick off fall with a heavier style of white wine, Cotes du Rhône Blanc. It is fuller bodied and also tends to be on the hotter side (meaning a higher alcohol content) than most white wines. These wines originate from the northern portion of the Rhône Valley. This areaContinue reading “October 6th-Cotes du Rhone Blanc”
September 29th-Garganega (Soave)
Garganega is a wine grape used to produce one of the most popular styles of white wine exported from Italy, Soave (Swah-vay). It originates in the Veneto region of northern Italy. Garganega can also be blended with Chardonnay and Trebbiano di Soave (and Pinot bianco in DOCG wines), but by law, it must be aContinue reading “September 29th-Garganega (Soave)”
September 22nd-Alsatian Riesling
I selected Riesling from the Alsace region in France because it’s expression is unique compared to those from other regions and countries. As you may recall, back in July, we explored the world of German Rieslings, which vary widely in level of sweetness. Alsace is known for its pronounced minerality imparted on the wine fromContinue reading “September 22nd-Alsatian Riesling”
September 15th-Trebbiano (or Orvieto)
Trebbiano, or Ugni Blanc, is a family of white grape varieties widely planted in central Italy, as well as all around the world. While there are many types of Trebbiano,Trebbiano Toscano (aka Procanico) is blended with Grechetto to make Orvieto, a blend originating from the Orvieto DOC (in the region of Umbria, south of Tuscany).Continue reading “September 15th-Trebbiano (or Orvieto)”
September 8th-Agiorgitiko
Agiorgitiko (Ah-yohr-Yee-ti-koh) is an ancient Greek red grape variety from the Peloponnesian peninsula in southern Greece. It thrives in the hot Mediterranean climate in the Nemea PDO (Protected Designation of Origin) wine appellation. The name means ‘St George’s Grape’ (and is commonly labelled as such) but is nicknamed ‘Blood of Heracles’. The mythology behind theContinue reading “September 8th-Agiorgitiko”
September 1st-Austrian Grüner Veltliner
Grüner Veltliner (GV) is a light bodied, crisp white wine that hails from Austria. It is believed to be a cross between Savagnin (parent to Sauvignon Blanc and Gewürztraminer to name a few) and St Georgen (an ancient white grape identified in 2000). The wine underwent many name changes over the centuries but became knownContinue reading “September 1st-Austrian Grüner Veltliner”
August 25th-Prosecco
Prosecco is another type of sparkling wine. It originates from the Veneto region in Northeast Italy but other approved areas to produce it are located in the Friuli-Venezia region. It is mostly made with the Glera grape but new as of this year is a Prosecco Rosé, DOC. This rosé can also contain up toContinue reading “August 25th-Prosecco”
A Trip Around the World of Wine in 52 Weeks 